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Del Monte Foods Collaborates With the American Heart Association to Celebrate National Start! Walking Day

Posted on: Wednesday, 16 April 2008, 09:01 CDT

Del Monte Foods (DLM) announces it will join forces with the American Heart Association to promote National Start! Walking Day on April 16, 2008, which challenges all Americans to walk one million steps and raise $1 million -- all in a day's work.

"Del Monte Foods is committed to nourishing families and enriching lives every day, and we are proud to team up with the American Heart Association in the fight against heart disease," said Richard G. Wolford, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Del Monte Foods. "We encourage consumers to get active every day, whether it's a brisk walk with the whole family, including pets, or a lunch-time stroll during the workday. In addition, because Del Monte recognizes the busy lifestyles of today's families, we offer a variety of great tasting, heart-healthy food choices that are nutritious and convenient."

Del Monte will ask thousands of its employees across the country to lace up their sneakers for a heart-healthy walk during their work days on April 16. Through an internal digital marketing campaign to include e-mails and intranet articles, Del Monte will also encourage its employees to pledge their support of the Heart Association's efforts to raise a million dollars in one day, empowering the fight to reduce physical inactivity and obesity in the United States.

"The goal of National Start! Walking Day is to educate Americans about the importance of physical activity in fighting heart disease. Heart disease is the number one killer in the United States, and physical inactivity doubles the risk of heart disease and stroke," said Wolford. "Del Monte shares the Association's passion and commitment to encouraging Americans to start walking and start reducing their risk."

Walking AND Eating your Way to a Healthy Heart

According to the American Heart Association, approximately one in three deaths are attributed to cardiovascular disease and an estimated 80 million people in the U.S. have one or more types of cardiovascular disease.

To help reduce the risk of heart disease, the Heart Association recommends a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole-grain, high-fiber foods, and encourages eating fish at least twice a week.

Del Monte offers a broad selection of nutrient-dense foods--including its fruits, vegetables, tomatoes and tuna and offers families the ultimate in convenience, nutrition and year-round availability.

Get Healthy with Your Four-Legged Friend

The American Heart Association's Start! movement promotes walking as an important part of a healthy lifestyle because walking has the lowest dropout rate of any physical activity, and is the simplest positive change individuals can make to effectively improve their heart health. Getting a daily workout is as easy as taking your dog for a brisk walk through the neighborhood. Let your furry friend lead the way and be sure to aim for at least a half-hour workout. The American Heart Association recommends moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activities for at least 30 minutes on most (and preferably all) days of the week.

And while walking is certainly great exercise, don't forget about swimming, hiking, or playing catch in the yard or at the park with your pup. Exercising with a pet can be a great way to stick to your workout routine -- it's good for you and your pet.

About Del Monte Foods

Del Monte Foods is one of the country's largest and most well known producers, distributors and marketers of premium quality, branded food and pet products for the U.S. retail market, generating more than $3.4 billion in net sales in fiscal 2007. With a powerful portfolio of brands including Del Monte®, StarKist®, S&W®, Contadina®, College Inn®, Meow Mix®, Kibbles 'n Bits®, 9Lives®, Milk-Bone®, Pup-Peroni®, Meaty Bone®, Snausages® and Pounce®, Del Monte products are found in nine out of ten U.S. households. The Company also produces, distributes and markets private label food and pet products. For more information on Del Monte Foods Company (NYSE:DLM) visit the Company's website at www.delmonte.com.

Del Monte. Nourishing Families. Enriching Lives. Every Day.™

Source: Business Wire

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